Sarah Schleper Makes History: A Seventh Winter Olympics and a Mother-Son Milestone
MILAN, 12 February 2026 — As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games reach their sixth day of competition, one name has transcended the podium standings to capture the spirit of Olympic longevity. Sarah Schleper, the 46-year-old alpine skiing veteran, has officially entered the history books this week, not only as the oldest female alpine skier to ever compete in the Olympics but as one half of the first mother-son duo to compete in the same Games.
A Record-Breaking Seventh Appearance
Representing Mexico, Schleper is currently participating in her seventh Winter Olympic Games. Her journey began nearly three decades ago in Nagano 1998. By competing in Italy this week, she surpasses the previous longevity records for female alpine skiers, maintaining a professional career that has spanned four different decades.
Born in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and a long-time resident of Vail, Schleper spent the first half of her career with the United States Ski Team. After a brief retirement in 2011, she obtained Mexican citizenship through her husband, Federico Gaxiola, and returned to the slopes to represent Mexico starting in 2014.
The Mother-Son Legacy
The 2026 Games are particularly significant for the Schleper-Gaxiola family. Sarah is joined in the Olympic village by her 18-year-old son, Lasse Gaxiola, who is also competing for Mexico. This marks the first time in the history of the Winter Olympics that a mother and son have competed in the same Games, a milestone that has become one of the most discussed human-interest stories of the Milan Cortina events.
Career Statistics and Olympic Timeline
Schleper’s career is defined by her transition from a top-tier U.S. technical specialist to a pioneer for Mexican winter sports. Below is a summary of her Olympic trajectory:
| Year | Host City | Representing | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Nagano | United States | Olympic Debut |
| 2002 | Salt Lake City | United States | Top 15 Finish (Slalom) |
| 2006 | Turin | United States | 10th Place (Slalom) |
| 2010 | Vancouver | United States | Final Games for Team USA |
| 2018 | PyeongChang | Mexico | First Games for Mexico |
| 2022 | Beijing | Mexico | Sixth Olympic Appearance |
| 2026 | Milano Cortina | Mexico | Seventh Games; Oldest Female Alpine Skier |
Recent Form and Preparation
Despite her age, Schleper has maintained competitive FIS points to qualify for the 2026 Games. In the 2024 season, she secured two victories in FIS giant slalom races and recorded a top-five finish in a super-G event in Vail. While she has stepped away from the high-impact slalom discipline in recent years, her focus in Italy remains on the Giant Slalom and Super-G events.
The Road to 47
The timing of the 2026 Games is poignant for the veteran skier. Sarah Schleper will celebrate her 47th birthday on 19 February 2026, just as the alpine events in Italy conclude. Her presence on the slopes alongside athletes less than half her age—including her own son—has solidified her status as an icon of athletic endurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Olympics has Sarah Schleper competed in?
As of February 2026, Sarah Schleper has competed in seven Winter Olympic Games (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2018, 2022, and 2026).
Why does Sarah Schleper ski for Mexico?
Schleper competed for the United States until 2011. After marrying Federico Gaxiola, she gained Mexican citizenship. She began representing Mexico in 2014 to help promote winter sports in the country and to continue her competitive career on her own terms.
Who is Sarah Schleper’s son?
Her son is Lasse Gaxiola, an 18-year-old alpine skier who is making his Olympic debut at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, competing alongside his mother for Team Mexico.
What are Sarah Schleper’s best career results?
While representing the United States, Schleper won a World Cup slalom race in Lenzerheide (2005) and earned a total of four World Cup podiums. Her best Olympic result was a 10th-place finish in the slalom at the 2006 Turin Games.